Parentage Cases

Parentage

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What are Parentage Cases?

In Illinois, parentage cases are the domestic relations cases in which the parents of the child(ren) are not married. When a child is born to a married couple, both spouses are presumed to be the parents of the child. When the parents are not married, parentage must be established before the award of rights, responsibilities and obligations that arise from a parent-child relationship. 
 
In Illinois, parentage is often established with both parents signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) form. If a VAP has not been signed, then parentage must be established, and once determined, an order of parentage is entered. Establishing parentage may include DNA testing. The timing associated with establishing parentage may affect your rights as the biological mother or father so it may be important to establish parentage as soon as possible. 
 
Once parentage is established, parents in parentage cases encounter many of the same child-related issues that divorcing couples face. The Illinois statute governing the determination of the allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly called child custody) and a parenting schedule (formerly called visitation) apply to both married and unmarried parents. These essential components are written in a document referred to as an Allocation Judgment and Parenting Plan. (See Parenting Time (Custody & Visitation)

With parentage cases, the obligation of child support may be established. The Illinois law governing child support and related expenses is substantially the same for both married and unmarried parents. Child support laws in Illinois are based upon the income of both parents, with established guidelines that consider the combined incomes of the parties and the parenting schedule established. (See Child Support). 

 How Can The Law Offices of Donna R. Farley Help?

In all parentage cases, it is essential that you understand your rights and responsibilities as well as the rights and responsibilities of the other parent. Issues involving children are often emotional and stressful. Whether you are trying to establish a parent-child relationship, crafting an appropriate parenting schedule or attempting to understand what amount of child support is appropriate under Illinois law, the Law Offices of Donna R. Farley will assist you to understand the law as it applies to your circumstances. We understand that every parent-child relationship or family dynamic is unique and our team will work closely with you to develop a legal strategy that assists you to achieve your goals. 
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